Jayson Williams takes his daughters, mega fans of the "KPop Demon Hunters" film, to Monday's free screening at Santa Barbara's Arlington Theatre. Williams says he kept his daughters out of school so they could make the afternoon showing.
Jayson Williams takes his daughters, mega fans of the "KPop Demon Hunters" film, to Monday's free screening at Santa Barbara's Arlington Theatre. Williams says he kept his daughters out of school so they could make the afternoon showing. Credit: Pricila Flores / Noozhawk photo

A free screening of the hit film “KPop Demon Hunters” and a conversation with the directors brought out a large crowd of fans and first-time watchers to the Arlington Theatre on Monday during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Kenneth Hwang signed his son, Theo, out of school early in order to make it to the movie. 

“We made it a point that we would do this. My wife and I both work full time,” Hwang said. “Being Korean-American, we wanted to come and celebrate the phenomenal ‘KPop Demon Hunters.’”

Theo, an elementary student, was excited to leave school early to see the film again, after having already seen it five times. 

The animated film took the world by storm when it was released in October. The film follows a K-pop group, Rumi, Mira and Zoey, as they live a double life battling the supernatural.

The line to watch the free showing of the film spilled out to the sidewalk, wrapping around the theater. 

Similar to the Hwang family, Jayson Williams made it a point to bring his two young daughters, Phoebe and Zoe, to the film.

Theo Hwang, right, and his friend Parker pose like the Saja Boys, the antagonists in the film "KPop Demon Hunters," before Monday's free screening of the film at Santa Barbara's Arlington Theatre.
Theo Hwang, right, and his friend Parker pose like the Saja Boys, the antagonists in the film “KPop Demon Hunters,” before Monday’s free screening of the film at Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theatre. Credit: Pricila Flores / Noozhawk photo

Zoe Williams was especially excited to see the film after dressing up as the character Zoey for Halloween. 

However, not all attendees were megafans.

Becky Cantrell lined up to watch the movie for the first time. She said she wanted to see what the hype was all about.

The line for Monday's free showing of "KPop Demon Hunters" at Santa Barbara's Arlington Theatre spills onto the street.
The line for Monday’s free showing of “KPop Demon Hunters” at Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theatre spills onto the street. Credit: Pricila Flores / Noozhawk photo

After the screening, directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans joined the crowd to discuss the film.

This is the second time the movie has been featured at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. 

The movie’s catchy song “Golden” by Ejae was honored at the Variety Artisans Award on Saturday.

Singer-songwriter Ejae, left, is honored at Saturday's Variety Artisan Awards at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival for songs in "KPOP Demon Hunters." At right is panel moderator Jazz Tangcay, Variety’s senior artisans editor.
Singer-songwriter Ejae, left, is honored at Saturday’s Variety Artisan Awards at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival for songs in “KPOP Demon Hunters.” At right is panel moderator Jazz Tangcay, Variety’s senior artisans editor. Credit: Fritz Olenberger photo

Pricila Flores is a Noozhawk staff writer and California Local News Fellow. She can be reached at pflores@noozhawk.com.